The 2026 Major League Baseball season is kicking off with an expanded "Opening Week" format, featuring a wide array of matchups spread across several days. Fans can expect a busy slate beginning on Wednesday, March 25, with a high-profile game between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants, broadcast exclusively on Netflix.
How to Follow the Opening Week Action
Following the Wednesday opener, the schedule intensifies on Thursday, March 26, which serves as a traditional Opening Day with 11 games on the docket, including select broadcasts on NBC and Peacock. Friday continues with additional matchups, including the Friday Night Baseball series on Apple TV+, while the weekend concludes with several series wrapping up by Sunday.
While various games will be available on national networks like NBC, Fox, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+, the vast majority of the schedule will be accessible via MLB.TV.
Streaming Options for Fans
For those looking to catch games without a traditional cable subscription, several avenues are available:
- MLB.TV: This remains the primary hub for out-of-market games. Subscriptions can be managed through the ESPN App, with special pricing available for existing users. Additionally, qualifying T-Mobile customers may be eligible for a complimentary subscription by redeeming an offer via the T Life app.
- Peacock: Certain key matchups, such as the Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers, will be available on Peacock. Walmart+ members may be able to access the service as part of their membership perks.
- Apple TV+: The home of Friday Night Baseball offers a trial period for new subscribers to test out the platform.
Key Highlights from the 2026 Opening Schedule
Below is a summary of the initial matchups for the 2026 season (all times Eastern):
Wednesday, March 25
- New York vs. San Francisco: 8:05 p.m. (Netflix)
Thursday, March 26
- Pittsburgh vs. New York: 1:15 p.m. (MLB.TV, NBC, Peacock)
- Arizona vs. Los Angeles: 8:30 p.m. (MLB.TV, NBC, Peacock)
- Plus additional regional matchups throughout the day.
Friday, March 27
- Los Angeles vs. Houston: 8:10 p.m. (MLB.TV, Apple TV+)
Saturday, March 28
- Minnesota vs. Baltimore: 4:05 p.m. (MLB.TV, FS1)
- Kansas City vs. Atlanta: 7:15 p.m. (MLB.TV, FOX)
- New York vs. San Francisco: 7:15 p.m. (MLB.TV, FOX)
Sunday, March 29
- Cleveland vs. Seattle: 7:20 p.m. (Peacock)
Whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, the 2026 Opening Week provides extensive opportunities to follow the start of the baseball season across multiple digital and broadcast channels.